The Boston Celtics enter Game 4 of their first-round series with no players listed on the injury report, while the Philadelphia 76ers are once again dealing with uncertainty around Joel Embiid. Game 4 tips Sunday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with Boston holding a 2-1 series lead after its 108-100 win in Game 3.
Embiid is listed as doubtful as he continues recovery from appendectomy surgery, a major storyline for a series that has already swung on health and availability. When he has played this season, the 31-year-old center has averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists, numbers that show exactly why his status changes the series equation.
Tyrese Maxey is listed as available, which matters because Philadelphia’s offense has leaned heavily on his shot creation all season. Maxey is averaging 28.3 points and 6.6 assists per game, and the 76ers need that scoring punch with Boston’s defense tightening as the series has moved forward.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is questionable with soreness, leaving Philadelphia with one more frontcourt and wing decision to monitor before tipoff. Oubre has been one of the Sixers’ more stable secondary scorers, averaging 14.1 points and 5.0 rebounds, so his availability affects both spacing and perimeter defense.
Boston, by contrast, comes in fully healthy and has the deeper rotation advantage on paper. Jaylen Brown is averaging 28.7 points, Jayson Tatum 21.8, and Derrick White 16.5, giving the Celtics multiple ways to attack even if Philadelphia loads up on one option.
The recent results show how narrow the margin has been. Boston opened the series with a 123-91 win, Philadelphia answered with a 111-97 road victory in Game 2, and the Celtics reclaimed control on Friday.
